Lovereading 4 Kids Updates from the world of children’s books

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		When I Dream of ABC Henry Fisher Wonderfully dreamy and fantastical illustrations – opera singing mermaids, shy dragons and even chocolate drinking vampires – combine with simple text to encourage children to learn their ABC.  Perfect as a bedtime read as after the parent has gone it’s … Download free opening extract
2		Alison Jay’s My First Board Books Slipcase Alison Jay Four stunning board books introduce the alphabet, numbers, nursery rhymes and fairy stories to the very youngest readers.  The books are very robust and are presented in an equally robust slip case for the perfect gift for even the smallest … Download free opening extract
3		My Circus Xavier Deneux Full of stylish images, this is a chunky board book from the author of My Animals with cunning holes and cutaways that reveal the different and lively characters that perform at the circus. A clown, magician, jugglers and a tightrope … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		Wolf Won’t Bite! Emily Gravett Award winning Emily Gravett gives the wolf a chance in this visually bold and entertaining inversion of the story of three little pigs. Three brave little pigs tease the big scary wolf making him the butt of every circus trick. … Download free opening extract
2		Zoe and Beans: Where is Binky Boo? Chloe Inkpen, Mick Inkpen Join the loveably lively Zoe and her devoted dog Beans in a world full of fun, friendship and magical adventures. It’s a case of hide and seek as Beans loses his favourite toy. … Download free opening extract
3		Norman the Slug with a Silly Shell Sue Hendra Norman the slug longs to be a snail. If only he had a shell! What Norman wishes for, he gets, but it soon turns out that a shell isn’t such a good thing after all. Can Norman save himself and … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		How the World Works Christiane Dorion Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award 2011: Best Book with Facts*. Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award 2001: Best Book with Facts and Winner of the Best Overall Information Book in the Scholastic Education PLUS Read Me/ Best … Download free opening extract
2		Horrid Henry’s Thank You Letter (Early Reader) Francesca Simon Great story coupled with Tony Ross’ trademark illustrations in full colour on every page make this the perfect book to get both boys and girls enjoying the reading experience both on their own and with a member of the family.  … Download free opening extract
3		How the Weather Works Christiane Dorion When will it next snow? This hands-on guide with opening flaps and pop-ups gives masses of information about how different weather conditions come about. Where does rain come from? Why does the wind blow? What is a climate?  Answers to … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Letters to Anyone and Everyone Toon Tellegen Winner of the 2011 Marsh Award for Children’s Literature in Translation [translated by Martin Cleaver]. Discover an extraordinary treasury of letters in this wonderful collection of short stories from Toon Tellegen and beautifully illustrated with Jessica Ahlberg’s delicate touch.  Whether it’s … Download free opening extract
2		Letters from an Alien Schoolboy Ros Asquith This is the first in a terrific new series for 7+ year olds – both boys and girls.  Packed with some hilarious illustrations and the story itself is a real page-turner.  It features an alien who comes to spy on … Download free opening extract
3		Cartoon Kid Jeremy Strong Loads of laughs in this new series from best-selling author Jeremy Strong.  Casper’s new teacher says everyone in the class is a superhero and together thy can fight injustice. Casper uses his drawing talent to become the Cartoon Kid. Teaming … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		The Pasta Detectives Andreas Steinhofel Shortlisted for the 2011 Marsh Award for Children’s Literature in Translation. This is a funny and original mystery starring two unlikely boy detectives, the mildly autistic Rico and the brainy but anxiety-ridden Oscar.  The story of The Pasta Detectives explores the … Download free opening extract
2		The Raven Mysteries 2: Ghosts and Gadgets Marcus Sedgwick There is hilarious fun to be had in these mystery stories about the original, not to say odd, family who live in Otherhand Castle. Told by Edgar the Raven whose views are sharp even if his perspective is unusual, the … Download free opening extract
3		There’s a Hamster in My Pocket Franzeska G. Ewart A warm-hearted family story in which problems are resolved and Yosser and her best friend Kylie together with Kylie’s pet hamsters must get to the bottom of someone’s strange behaviour and solve the mystery of the locked wooden box.  A … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Street Heroes: Runaways Joe Layburn Street Heroes: Runaways is a fast-paced thriller that deals with important issues while keeping readers gripped from start to finish. By the aclaimed author of Ghostscape and Street Heroes it is in a nutshell ‘Heroes’ for children.  The Street Heroes … Download free opening extract
2		Lily Alone Jacqueline Wilson Published in Feb 2011.  You can pre-order this title in January. Jacqueline Wilson’s storytelling powers are shown at their absolute best yet again in this brilliantly readable story in which Lily must contend with 3 younger siblings while her mother is … Download free opening extract
3		David’s Story Stig Dalager Shortlisted for the 2011 Marsh Award for Children’s Literature in Translation. This is a harrowing account of a boy who finds himself alone in Poland, his parents having been taken away by the Nazis in WW2.  The story which is shocking … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Dancing Jax Robin Jarvis There’s a dark power lurking in the empty house set down a long, lonely track. When a group of teenagers break in, they find a box of children’s books. Not any old books. There is something special about one book. … Download free opening extract
2		Mice Gordon Reece A Piece of Passion from the Publisher of Mice, Maria Rejt:”Mice is not a thriller that conforms particularly to what a bestselling thriller purports to be these days – there are no serial killers, no high-octane car chases, no baroque … Download free opening extract
3		Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf Curtis Jobling Shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2011 This is an absolutely cracking debut fantasy novel.  Every teenager should make time for it as it’s truly gripping and utterly original.  You’ll find yourself totally immersed from page one in a completely … Download free opening extract

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		Stripy Horse, Time for Bed Jim Helmore, Karen Wall Stripy Horse is a hugely lovable animal in children’s book publishing at the moment and we’re thrilled to see the publisher has decided to create some sturdy board books for babies and toddlers featuring this character who has, until now … Download free opening extract
2		How to Catch a Star Oliver Jeffers A prize winning illustrator with a reputation for spare illustrations which pack a huge emotional punch. A little boy so loves the stars that he decides to set off and try to catch one. But catching a star is not as easy as … Download free opening extract
3		The Puffin Mother Goose Treasury Raymond Briggs The welcome return of a modern classic, this Treasury should be a gift for every newborn. Prize-winning illustrator Raymond Briggs’ wonderful illustrations capture the humour, pathos, poignancy and downright silliness of some of the best known nursery rhymes and riddles … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		Zoe and Beans: Where is Binky Boo? Chloe Inkpen, Mick Inkpen Join the loveably lively Zoe and her devoted dog Beans in a world full of fun, friendship and magical adventures. It’s a case of hide and seek as Beans loses his favourite toy. … Download free opening extract
2		Why Is The Sky Blue ? Susan Varley, Sally Grindley This is our personal favourite in terms of Sally Grindley’s picture books here at Lovereading4kids.  It tells the story of rabbit and donkey.  Rabbit is very inquisitive and is always asking questions about everything! He wants to know why the … Download free opening extract
3		When I Dream of ABC Henry Fisher Wonderfully dreamy and fantastical illustrations – opera singing mermaids, shy dragons and even chocolate drinking vampires – combine with simple text to encourage children to learn their ABC.  Perfect as a bedtime read as after the parent has gone it’s … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Harry and the Dinosaurs Roar to the Rescue! Ian Whybrow Wonderfully humourous illustrations coupled with a fun storyline sees Harry and his bucketful of dinosaurs run to the rescue when he discovers someone he knows has been robbed.  Harry is an endearing character that boys and girls all love. … Download free opening extract
2		A New Room for William Sally Grindley A beautifully moving picture book that deals delicately with a marriage break up and moving house, A New Room for William is a sensitive portrayal of the thoughts and emotions of a little boy in the midst of a dramatic … Download free opening extract
3		How the World Works Christiane Dorion Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award 2011: Best Book with Facts*. Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award 2001: Best Book with Facts and Winner of the Best Overall Information Book in the Scholastic Education PLUS Read Me/ Best … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Letters from an Alien Schoolboy Ros Asquith This is the first in a terrific new series for 7+ year olds – both boys and girls.  Packed with some hilarious illustrations and the story itself is a real page-turner.  It features an alien who comes to spy on … Download free opening extract
2		Cartoon Kid Jeremy Strong Loads of laughs in this new series from best-selling author Jeremy Strong.  Casper’s new teacher says everyone in the class is a superhero and together thy can fight injustice. Casper uses his drawing talent to become the Cartoon Kid. Teaming … Download free opening extract
3		The Iron Man Ted Hughes A stunning new version of a much-loved children’s classic with stunning and unusual illustations from Laura Carlin. Part modern fairy tale, part science fiction myth, The Iron Man describes the unexpected arrival in England of a mysterious giant “metal man” … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		Billionaire Boy David Walliams Hugely entertaining, this captivating story is also thought provoking about the perils of having way too much money. Joe Spud is the richest twelve-year-old in the world; he has everything his heart desires – except happiness. As one disaster follows … Download free opening extract
2		Whispers in the Graveyard Theresa Breslin This is a gripping supernatural thriller and one of those rare books that makes the reader want to put life on hold for as long as it takes to finish it.  The writing is breathtakingly good and whilst tackling some … Download free opening extract
3		Alien Storm A.G. Taylor A gripping science-fiction adventure pits a group of kids with super powers against a mysterious Russian billionaire. Infected by an extraordinary virus from a meteor storm, Sarah, Robert and the younger children in their charge are now at risk from … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		When You Reach Me Rebecca Stead Winner of the 2010 Newbery Medal, Shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2011, this is a brilliantly fresh and original story with a puzzle at its heart. When Miranda’s best friend Sal is punched in the stomach by another … Download free opening extract
2		Unhooking the Moon Gregory Hughes Winner of the BookTrust Teenage Book Prize 2010 and shortlisted for the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize 2010. One absolutely, indisputably MEGA story! This highly recommended title is a beautifully written, utterly original, funny and bittersweet tale about two newly orphaned kids … Download free opening extract
3		Street Heroes: Runaways Joe Layburn Street Heroes: Runaways is a fast-paced thriller that deals with important issues while keeping readers gripped from start to finish. By the aclaimed author of Ghostscape and Street Heroes it is in a nutshell ‘Heroes’ for children.  The Street Heroes … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		The Replacement Brenna Yovanoff Full of romance and danger, this is an arresting adventure that slips effortlessly between our world and the dark world of the paranormal. Mackie Doyle is not what he seems. Despite his apparently normal life, Mackie is a Replacement; he … Download free opening extract
2		Matched Ally Condie Introducing a rare new talent and almost certainly one of the biggest Young Adult debuts of the year this is the first in an utterly compelling, visionary and imaginative series that is set to be a sensation. The book is … Download free opening extract
3		Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf Curtis Jobling Shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2011 This is an absolutely cracking debut fantasy novel.  Every teenager should make time for it as it’s truly gripping and utterly original.  You’ll find yourself totally immersed from page one in a completely … Download free opening extract

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		Nursery Rhyme Rainbow (board book) Alison Jay Beautiful illustrations with a delightful nostalgic feel bring to life the stories of a host of favourite nursery rhymes selected for their reference to different colours. Little Boy Blue dozes contentedly under a hay stack, the Owl and the Pussy … Download free opening extract
2		Let’s Take a Trip on Animal Airways Sally Hopgood, Andrea Petrlik The aeroplane in this book really does travel through the pages! This wonderful novelty format will help encourage counting, sequencing and recognition skills in any toddler.  Turn the page and the brightly coloured aeroplane pops out on a flexible ribbon … Download free opening extract
3		Baby Gym: Touch and Tickle Designed to stimulate the senses, this delightful board book that hooks into the baby’s first language – that of touch, is a book that will encourage interaction and bonding between parent and baby and thereby build a sense of security … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		1001 Children’s Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up Julia Eccleshare & Quentin Blake Fall down the rabbit hole, take flight into Neverland, or follow the yellow brick road to the Emerald City; we all remember what it was like to disappear into the imaginary worlds of the most magical and fantastic type of … Download free opening extract
2		The Tear Thief Carol Ann Duffy This is a warm, poignant and beautifully illustrated story set in a magical world where the tears of children arising from every emotion are of a different colour. An underlying thought-provoking message about emotions lies at its heart. The multi-coloured … Download free opening extract
3		Where the Wild Things are Maurice Sendak When Max is sent to bed without any supper for making mischief, he sets off on an amazing adventure across the sea to the land where he meets the ‘wild things’. The wild things roar their terrible roar and gnash … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Spells Emily Gravett Shortlisted for the 2010 Blue Peter ‘Most Fun with Pictures’ Award. The winner will be announced to coincide with World Book Day in March. A stunning new picture book from Emily Gravett, full of witchcraft, wizardry and magic. We meet a … Download free opening extract
2		The Diary of a Killer Cat Anne Fine A cat’s eye view of the world is not exactly the same as a humans! Tuffy’s got no problems with the trail of delicious victims he brings into the house. A bird, a mouse – they are both delicious. In … Download free opening extract
3		The Church Mouse Graham Oakley A brilliant picture book thankfully now back in print. The stunning, detailed and humorous illustrations tell the entertaining story of how Sampson the church cat and Arthur the church mouse take over the local church despite the reservations of the … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Peter the Penguin Pioneer Daren King Shortlisted for the 2010 Blue Peter ‘Most Fun with Pictures’ Award. The winner will be announced to coincide with World Book Day in early March. Hugely inventive and charmingly funny with laugh out loud zany humour and wonderful illustrations throughout that … Download free opening extract
2		The Great Hamster Massacre Katie Davies Shortlisted for the Waterstone’s Book Award 2010 An entertaining behind-the-scenes look at family life in all its intricacies as it revolves around pet ownership and the drama that surrounds it. Nine year old Anna tells how she and her younger brother … Download free opening extract
3		Batpants! Jeremy Strong Loads of laughter for readers from comic master writer Jeremy Strong.  Batpants is his new creation, a madcap story of high jinks as Finn, Zac and Tilly learn to live with a pet orang-utan. Batpants is just part of the … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		The Boy Who Fell Down Exit 43 Harriet Goodwin Shortlisted for the 2010 Blue Peter ‘Book I Couldn’t Put Down’ Award. The winner will be announced to coincide with World Book Day in March. Adventurous, charming and poignant by turns, The Boy Who Fell Down Exit 43 is a quirky … Download free opening extract
2		Flyaway Lucy Christopher Shortlisted for the Waterstone’s Book Award 2010 Tender and touching, this is a delicate story about facing up to difficulties and finding a way through. When Isla’s father develops a serious heart condition he can no longer take her to see … Download free opening extract
3		Frozen In Time Ali Sparkes Shortlisted for the 2010 Blue Peter ‘Book I Couldn’t Put Down’ Award. The winner will be announced to coincide with World Book Day in March. A page-turning mystery-adventure with a pleasingly old-fashioned feel as two children, frozen by cryonic suspension by … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Season of Secrets Sally Nicholls A haunting and unforgettable new novel From the award-winning author of Ways to Live Forever. Season of Secrets weaves the tale of a heartbroken child and an age-old legend into beautiful story of love, healing and strange magic. Resonant of classics such as … Download free opening extract
2		Auslander Paul Dowswell Shortlisted for the prestigious Teenage Book of the Year Award 2009. A tense and dramatic story of growing up in Berlin during World War Two. When Piotr’s parents are killed he is taking to an orphanage in Warsaw. But Piotr … Download free opening extract
3		Private Peaceful Michael Morpurgo One of our ‘Must Reads’. It will seem odd when reading this book that the author enjoyed writing it the most of all the 90 or so he has written so far. That’s because it’s the one that most … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Savannah Grey: A Horror Story Cliff Mcnish If you’re looking for a real page-turner that will have you gasping for breath then this is it.  It’s a horror story and a love story intertwined and 15 year old Savannah Grey is possibly the only person who can … Download free opening extract
2		The Carbon Diaries 2017 Saci Lloyd Laura’s witty diary entries cleverly combine the important events in her own life – managing her boyfriend and dealing with her attempts to be in a successful band – with the major and serious issues of climate change in a … Download free opening extract
3		My Love Lies Bleeding Alyxandra Harvey This is a teen romance to really get your teeth into.  It’s an action-packed, urban fantasy full of Gothic seduction, teen angst, passion, wicked humour and adventure, all skilfully ignited by an age-old prophecy and a reluctant vampire princess that … Download free opening extract

After a slightly delayed start with the weather the pace of January has now picked up and we hope you are enjoying the newly designed Lovereading4kids newsletter is providing you with all the guidance you need when it comes to great books for kids. Read on to find out about the Blue Peter Book Award shortlist, Pre-Publication exclusives, the long-awaited paperback launch of Lemony Snicket and the new ‘Demi God’ on the block, Percy Jackson, whose film release is imminent!

Series of the Month – Percy Jackson

Imagine a world where the gods of Olympus are alive in the 21st century, and still fall in love with mortals and have children who might turn out to become great heroes like Theseus, Jason and Hercules. Percy is one of those kids, and his adventures have been transported to the silver screen in a film from the director of the Harry Potter movies. Due for release on 12 February, Percy Jackson will be the talk of the playground shortly so make sure your kids are on to it well ahead of the game.

Series of the Year – ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’

Lemony Snicket titles about the fated Baudelaire orphans were the 5th most popular books of the last decade and got more kids reading than Harry Potter. Now, at long last they are available to buy in great value paperback.

The stories are strange, even weird and so immersive and well-loved that we thought we’d make them our Series of the Year for 2010, which in turn might get a whole new generation of kids hooked! One to three are out now with the rest being published throughout 2010. Find out more…

This Month’s Highlights not to miss

Be first to the best new kids’ books – exclusive Pre-Publication

Out of Shadows – Jason Wallace

14+ A powerful book set in post-war 1980s Zimbabwe, where new foreign student Robert Jacklin learns that for some of his white classmates, the battles for leadership of ‘their’ country aren’t over at all…

Savannah Grey – Cliff McNish

11+ Savannah Grey is not having a great time, she’s only just settled in to her latest foster home when she discovers she has supernatural powers, and that the evil Ocrassa wants to use them to destroy the world!

11+ Superhumans: Meteorite Strike – A G Taylor

Robert and Sarah survive a terrible alien virus, only to find themselves captured by a rogue organisation that wants to experiment on them like lab rats because of the strange psychic powers they’ve suddenly started to develop.

New Year, new opportunities!

It’s been well documented that girls seem to perform better at school than boys; but more recent development theories suggest we ought to be challenging the myths about boys’ ‘underachievement’ and encouraging their talents. So, take a look at our Parenting category which has some great new books for you about keeping children stimulated while learning, and ensuring they don’t fall behind or get discouraged. As a parent, New Year is the perfect time to provide plenty of encouragement and support.

Classic stories that are as good today as ever

Our ‘Bookshelf Essentials‘ category features timelessly brilliant books that every child from every generation can gain from by reading. We’ve just refreshed the list with some tremendous classics including The Church Mouse, Greyfriars Bobby and in its 40th anniversary year, Rosie’s Walk. If your kids are stuck for what to read next, take a look at our impressive selection – broken down by age range – it could also be a wonderfully nostalgic experience for you.

And something we prepared earlier….

Blue Peter Book Award 2010 – young readers’ favourites

What makes the Blue Peter Book Awards special is that they’re decided by a panel of young readers and each category very much ‘does what it says on the tin’ with categories for ‘Most Fun with Pictures’, ‘Book you can’t put down’ and ‘Best Book with Facts’. So the books on the shortlist, all featured this month on Lovereading4kids, are pretty much guaranteed to thrill young readers. Have a look and download free extracts from the finest books and picture books of the last year. Find your favourites today…

Now the snow, for most, has pretty much gone we hope you can get back to all the important things you might have missed – but don’t forget to keep using Lovereading4kids for guidance to keep your children stocked with the best books for them.

Books for Babies and Toddlers

1		Can You Moo Too? David Wojtowycz A big book which encourages all readers to join in with the noisy lion roaring, bouncy frogs croaking, baby bear growling, ducks quacking and cows moo-ing. Bright and lively illustrations make joining in fun! If you’re looking for other great books … Download free opening extract
2		Bathtime With Woof Caroline Jayne Church Experience bath time with Woof by feeling the slimy soap he washes with, the shiny bubbles he blows in the bath and the softness of the fluffy towel he dries himself on afterwards. All babies will love seeing themselves scrubbed … Download free opening extract
3		No Bed Without Ted Nicola Smee Pull the tabs, lift the flap and help a little girl find her missing Ted. Is he in the drawer? No, that’s full of mice. Can he be in grandpa’s chair? No, that’s a bag of sweets. And he’s not … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 3+ readers

1		The Way Back Home Oliver Jeffers Shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Award 2009. This is an absolutely delightful book that is sure to capture the imagination of toddlers.  Jeffers’ illustrations are an absolute delight and together with the text tell an extraordinary and original story about friendship and home. … Download free opening extract
2		Babies Love Books Laurence Anholt Celebrate books anytime and any place with these jolly babies who are shown sharing books and loving them too, in all kinds of likely and unlikely places from the library to a beach and with loads of places in between. … Download free opening extract
3		Little Boat Thomas Docherty Shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Award 2009. Wonderfully detailed yet simple illustrations coupled with minimal text make this an absolutely fantastic picture book to enjoy with even the youngest toddler.  Later this year, this title will be joined by an … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		A Child’s Garden: A Story of Hope Michael Foreman This is a wonderful celebration of optimism and a thoughtful and touching book about the importance of growth, green shoots and new life in a war torn world. Growing up amidst rubble a small boy tends a green shoot which … Download free opening extract
2		Snow Goose Paul Gallico Shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Award 2009. Breathtaking illustrations capture the haunting magic of this modern classic. Set in the Essex marshes in the years before the Second World War, it is a touching story of how a young girl … Download free opening extract
3		Fantastic Mr. Fox Roald Dahl Ideal as an early introduction to Roald Dahl just as a child is starting to read alone because it’s a short story by comparison to some of his others. Filled with quirky black and white illustrations by the wonderful … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		The Amazing Adventures of Curd The Lion and Us! in the Land at the Back of Beyond Alan Gilliland Reminiscent of the writing of Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear, this brilliant debut children’s novel is completely unputdownable as well as being almost uncategorisable.  The author has succeeded in delivering on a book that incorporates a terrifically funny yet mysterious story, full … Download free opening extract
2		Secret Garden – Illustrated Edition Frances Hodgson Burnett This absolute classic has entranced children the world over since its first publication in 1911.  In this remarkable new hardback gift edition from Walker Books, Inga Moore’s beautifully observed illustrations capture the wonder of the garden coming alive again, bringing … Download free opening extract
3		Flood And Fang: Raven Mysteries Book One Marcus Sedgwick Told from the bird’s eye view of a resident raven, this is a deliciously topsy-turvy comedy full of unusual details. The Otherhand family are far from normal and life in Otherhand Castle is distinctly strange. Edgar the raven cares little … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		The Stepsisters’ Story Kaye Umansky A romping comedy of catastrophes, this version of the Cinderella story comes straight from the mouths of the step sisters. They make no apology for their terrible behaviour as they greedily pursue their own ends while doing down their step … Download free opening extract
2		Fever Crumb Philip Reeve This is one of the most eagerly anticipated novels of 2009 from the critically acclaimed and internationally bestselling author of the Mortal Engines Quartet. Reeves’ post-apocalyptic world where mobile cities fight for survival has brought many a child into the world of reading … Download free opening extract
3		Living with Vampires Jeremy Strong Family problems of an unusual kind make life complicated for Kevin. With vampires for parents, he does his best to control them but things can’t help getting out of hand….Blood is their favourite drink so it isn’t surprising that they … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Skellig – TV tie in edition David Almond This is a wonderfully eerie and magical story about believing in something extra special and why it may make a difference.  It’s full of happiness and sadness but ultimately it’s incredibly fulfilling. ‘Touched with a visionary intensity, this strange life-affirming tale exercises every … Download free opening extract
2		Lifegame Alison Allen-Gray An incredibly topical thriller that captures the mood of the moment in terms of the scientific advances that are becoming increasingly possible and yet continue to be highly controversial. Picture if you can an island complete with families, all of … Download free opening extract
3		Coraline (film tie-in edition) Neil Gaiman Film-tie-in edition to the weird and wonderful Coraline, which has just released as an animated film in the UK.   When Coraline’s family move into a new home, she steps through a door into another house which seems strangely familiar.  It has … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		The Ask and the Answer Patrick Ness Tense, shocking and deeply moving, The Ask and the Answer is a terrifying novel of resistance under the most extreme pressure. The sequel to the highly acclaimed and prize-winning The Knife of Never Letting Go, the author who is also … Download free opening extract
2		Gone Michael Grant Gripping from the first moment on, this is a scary, an unputdownable and a brilliantly plotted fantasy. One minute all the adults are there – next they’re gone! Only the children remain and they are trapped, cut off from the … Download free opening extract
3		Creature of the Night Kate Thompson Shortlisted for the Carnegie Award 2009 and shortlisted for the Bisto Irish Children’s Book Award. From multi-award winning author Kate Thompson comes another absorbing read, blazing an enthralling path between the stark realities of modern-day society and the fantasy for … Download free opening extract

Featured Books Age 0 – 5 Years

1		The Way Back Home Oliver Jeffers Shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Award 2009. This is an absolutely delightful book that is sure to capture the imagination of toddlers.  Jeffers’ illustrations are an absolute delight and together with the text tell an extraordinary and original story about friendship and home. … Download free opening extract
2		Little Boat Thomas Docherty Shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Award 2009. Wonderfully detailed yet simple illustrations coupled with minimal text make this an absolutely fantastic picture book to enjoy with even the youngest toddler.  Later this year, this title will be joined by an … Download free opening extract
3		Harris Finds his Feet Catherine Rayner Shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Award 2009. Touching and inspiring, this is a beautiful story of a youngster finding his feet and being encouraged to forge his own way in the world by his remarkable Grandfather. Harris is a very … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		The Wind in the Willows – Illustrated Edition Kenneth Grahame Stunning is definitely the best word to describe this book that is bulging with superb illustrations that complement the moving story by Kenneth Grahame of Ratty, Moley and of course the irascible Toad. It is part of the Walker Illustrated Classics, … Download free opening extract
2		Varmints Helen Ward Shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Award 2009. The most overlooked threat in the world today is the loss of peace and tranquility. Can someone find the time and space to stop, think and plant the seeds of change before it’s … Download free opening extract
3		Tumtum and Nutmeg: Pirates’ Treasure Emily Bearn The enchanting and delightful mice Tumtum and Nutmeg are back for a third adventure. This time the two home lovers are off on a camping trip but soon things begin to go very wrong as they get swept down the … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		The Amazing Adventures of Curd The Lion and Us! in the Land at the Back of Beyond Alan Gilliland Reminiscent of the writing of Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear, this brilliant debut children’s novel is completely unputdownable as well as being almost uncategorisable.  The author has succeeded in delivering on a book that incorporates a terrifically funny yet mysterious story, full … Download free opening extract
2		Secret Garden – Illustrated Edition Frances Hodgson Burnett This absolute classic has entranced children the world over since its first publication in 1911.  In this remarkable new hardback gift edition from Walker Books, Inga Moore’s beautifully observed illustrations capture the wonder of the garden coming alive again, bringing … Download free opening extract
3		Flood And Fang: Raven Mysteries Book One Marcus Sedgwick Told from the bird’s eye view of a resident raven, this is a deliciously topsy-turvy comedy full of unusual details. The Otherhand family are far from normal and life in Otherhand Castle is distinctly strange. Edgar the raven cares little … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		The Stepsisters’ Story Kaye Umansky A romping comedy of catastrophes, this version of the Cinderella story comes straight from the mouths of the step sisters. They make no apology for their terrible behaviour as they greedily pursue their own ends while doing down their step … Download free opening extract
2		Fever Crumb Philip Reeve This is one of the most eagerly anticipated novels of 2009 and here at Lovereading we’re lucky enough to have a chapter taster for you pre-publication.  So why not check it out now. Philip Reeve’s Mortal Engines quartet of a post-apocalyptic … Download free opening extract
3		Living with Vampires Jeremy Strong Family problems of an unusual kind make life complicated for Kevin. With vampires for parents, he does his best to control them but things can’t help getting out of hand….Blood is their favourite drink so it isn’t surprising that they … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		The Ask and the Answer Patrick Ness Tense, shocking and deeply moving, The Ask and the Answer is a terrifying novel of resistance under the most extreme pressure. The sequel to the highly acclaimed and prize-winning The Knife of Never Letting Go, the author who is also … Download free opening extract
2		Skellig – TV tie in edition David Almond This is a wonderfully eerie and magical story about believing in something extra special and why it may make a difference.  It’s full of happiness and sadness but ultimately it’s incredibly fulfilling. ‘Touched with a visionary intensity, this strange life-affirming tale exercises every … Download free opening extract
3		The Knife of Never Letting Go Patrick Ness Shortlisted for the Carnegie Award 2009. Winner of the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize 2008 and Booktrust Teenage Prize 2008. The electrifying and unflinching young adult debut novel about the impossible choices of growing up by award-winning fiction writer Patrick Ness. A word … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Gone Michael Grant Gripping from the first moment on, this is a scary, an unputdownable and a brilliantly plotted fantasy. One minute all the adults are there – next they’re gone! Only the children remain and they are trapped, cut off from the … Download free opening extract
2		Beautiful Dead: Jonas Eden Maguire This is the first of a proposed series of 4 books in the increasingly popular area of paranormal romance.  Fans of Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series will love the intrigue, the excellent writing style, compelling characters coupled with a powerful mystery.  … Download free opening extract
3		Creature of the Night Kate Thompson Shortlisted for the Carnegie Award 2009 and shortlisted for the Bisto Irish Children’s Book Award. From multi-award winning author Kate Thompson comes another absorbing read, blazing an enthralling path between the stark realities of modern-day society and the fantasy for … Download free opening extract

Featured Books Age 0 – 5 Years

1		Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark – Book & CD Jill Tomlinson Plop is a baby owl. Perfect in every way – except for one. He’s afraid of the dark! But he soon discovers, through a variety of new friends, that dark can be fun and exciting and magical! This is a story for … Download free opening extract
2		Colin And The Wrong Shadow Leigh Hodgkinson A stunning picture book from a wonderfully talented new children’s artist. Colin the cat is a very appealing protagonist, but he has a problem. Somebody has borrowed his shadow and given him someone else’s. Join Colin as … Download free opening extract
3		My Grandpa’s Amazing Inventions Richard Johnson This is a wonderfully inspirational picture book for any young child.  Grandpa is an inventor and has been invited to enter a competition to win the ‘greatest invention prize’. Of course he wins it but that’s not all for something … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Tumtum and Nutmeg: The Great Escape Emily Bearn An absolutely delightful tale of secret friends and a cosy world in miniature told very simply with some charming detail. It’s very much Brambly Hedge meets The Borrowers. The life of the mice, Tumtum and Nutmeg who live at Nutmouse … Download free opening extract
2		The Hodgeheg Dick King-smith This is an absolutely charming modern classic from one of Britain’s all-time favourite authors.  There is no-one more impressive when it comes to animal stories than Dick King-Smith and this one is our favourite. The Hodegheg has everything – humour, … Download free opening extract
3		Little Mouse’s Big Book Of Fears Emily Gravett Winner of the of the 2008 Kate Greenaway Medal. This award winning author illustrator continues to create some of the most innovative and imaginative illustrated children’s books. Through nursery rhyme stories follow Little Mouse as he confronts his many fears including Ablutophobia (Fear … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		Waggit’s Tale Peter Howe This is an absolutely delightful and heart-warming animal tale about a puppy that gets dumped in the park by its owner. As he learns to fend for himself with the help of other strays, his life becomes both exciting and … Download free opening extract
2		Wow! 366: Speedy Stories In Just 366 Words Various Authors , Ian Whybrow, Georgia Byng, Roddy Doyle, Jeremy Strong This anthology of 240 mini stories, each told in just 366 words, features authors such as Roddy Doyle, Raymond Briggs, Charlie Higson, Michael Morpurgo and a surprise entry from the current Prime Minister Gordon Brown. This book is a great … Download free opening extract
3		The Bfg Roald Dahl This is a delightful, funny and exciting story about a special friendship between two people from different worlds – a giant and a child. As the story develops it shows how trust and love develops between them. It also … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		The Mysterious Benedict Society Trenton Lee Stuart This is a No. 1 New York Times Bestseller that we’ve been raving about since it went stratospheric across the water earlier this year. Here you will meet four very unusual children each with three things in common – … Download free opening extract
2		Oathbreaker Michelle Paver Welcome to best-selling author Michelle Paver’s latest in the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness.This is the series that began with Wolf Brother and now continues with the story of Torak alongside his trusted and loyal Wolf. Once an outcast, Torak has … Download free opening extract
3		Magic Thief Sarah Prineas This is an absolutely captivating debut fantasy adventure. Full of magic and trickery, this is the story of a wizard and his new apprentice trying to discover why the magic in their city is fading and how they must … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Airhead Meg Cabot From the creator of Allie Finkle and The Princess Diaries comes a brand new novel featuring two very different girls, one a superbrain and the other a supermodel. They have absolutely nothing in common until something extraordinary happens. … Download free opening extract
2		The Resistance Gemma Malley This is an absolutely chilling, powerful sequel to Gemma malley’s acclaimed debut, The Declaration. With a dark and sinister vision of the future, it is set in 2140, The Resistance is an incredibly thought-provoking read. We raved about her … Download free opening extract
3		Pendragon: The Merchant of Death D J Machale This is the first in an epic series of adventures through time and space featuring a daring hero, Bobby Pendragon, with a quest to save the world. Time travel, adventure and excitement will greet the reader and if Pendragon … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Before I Die Jenny Downham Winner of the Branford Boase Award 2008. This is a haunting yet truly amazing read but don’t read it too young. Definitely not for someone less than 14 years old. If you knew you were going to die what would … Download free opening extract
2		Tales Of Terror From The Black Ship Chris Priestley This is serious spine-tingling stuff and not for the faint-hearted, it’s a novel packed with chills, thrills, nail-biting suspense and heart-stopping revelations. Join Ethan and Cathy and steel yourself against the blood-curdling terror that lies ahead as you realise … Download free opening extract
3		Life On The Refrigerator Door Alice Kuipers Beautifully told through notes left on the kitchen fridge, here is an intimate glimpse into the lives of a mother who has just discovered she’s got cancer, and her teenage daughter. This tragic but ultimately uplifting debut novel explores what being a ‘good … Download free opening extract

Featured Books Age 0 – 5 Years

1		Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark – Book & CD Jill Tomlinson Plop is a baby owl. Perfect in every way – except for one. He’s afraid of the dark! But he soon discovers, through a variety of new friends, that dark can be fun and exciting and magical! This is a story for … Download free opening extract
2		Abc Uk James Dunn A wonderful picture book for parents to share with younger and older children alike. It’s unusual in that through the alphabet it introduces a quirky celebration of Britain’s vibrant and unique cultural identity beginning with A is for Arthur … Download free opening extract
3		Splat The Cat Rob Scotton This is a charming, clever and often hilarious story dealing with overcoming those awful fears of that terrible saga, the first day of school. Splat is cat who is nervous about his first day in cat class. So nervous in … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 5+ readers

1		Little Mouse’s Big Book Of Fears Emily Gravett Winner of the of the 2008 Kate Greenaway Medal. This award winning author illustrator continues to create some of the most innovative and imaginative illustrated children’s books. Through nursery rhyme stories follow Little Mouse as he confronts his many fears including Ablutophobia (Fear … Download free opening extract
2		Coconut Jack Jill Lewis A wonderful story for developing readers with a lively, yet simple and straightforward text and speech bubbles to enhance the story further. This is the perfect book to engage young children and in turn to develop a love of … Download free opening extract
3		Horrid Henry Robs The Bank Francesca Simon Horrid Henry is back starring in four more perfect stories which hilariously show off his very worst behaviour. Wherever Henry is, trouble is never far behind as he works out his cunning plots all of which are designed to upset … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 7+ readers

1		You Have Been Warned! Roger Mcgough A deliciously macabre collection of cautionary poems in which gruesome and grisly children are taught the errors of their ways. McGough’s own poem ‘Cautionary Tales’ entertainingly describes the fate that befalls Josephine whose lack of application at school cause leads … Download free opening extract
2		Wow! 366: Speedy Stories In Just 366 Words Various Authors , Ian Whybrow, Georgia Byng, Roddy Doyle, Jeremy Strong This anthology of 240 mini stories, each told in just 366 words, features authors such as Roddy Doyle, Raymond Briggs, Charlie Higson, Michael Morpurgo and a surprise entry from the current Prime Minister Gordon Brown. This book is a great … Download free opening extract
3		Dragon Orb: Firestorm Mark Robson Spectacular dragon rides and dangerous quests fill the pages of this, the first in the Dragon Orb fantasy adventure series set in a world that was once all-powerful and is now dying. The lives of the dragons and the … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 9+ readers

1		The Mysterious Benedict Society Trenton Lee Stuart This is a No. 1 New York Times Bestseller that we’ve been raving about since it went stratospheric across the water earlier this year. Here you will meet four very unusual children each with three things in common – … Download free opening extract
2		The Number 7 Shirt Alan Gibbons This is an action-packed story involving a boy who dreams of being a football pro. Because fiction and non-fiction are interwoven together, it’s likely to attract less keen readers but readers who may have a passion for football. His heroes … Download free opening extract
3		Oathbreaker Michelle Paver Welcome to best-selling author Michelle Paver’s latest in the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness.This is the series that began with Wolf Brother and now continues with the story of Torak alongside his trusted and loyal Wolf. Once an outcast, Torak has … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 11+ readers

1		Artemis Fowl and the Time Paradox Eoin Colfer This is the jaw-dropping, eagerly anticipated sixth book in multi-award-winning block buster Artemis Fowl series. Artemis finds himself travelling back in time to fight his younger self and save his mother from a dangerous illness. Fast, funny and as usual … Download free opening extract
2		The Kiss Of Death Marcus Sedgwick Marcus Sedgwick returns with a heart-stopping, beautifully crafted novel featuring Peter from My Swordhand is Singing but set many years later but still on the trail of the Shadow Queen. Venice, the fabled city with its lapping waterways, crumbling magnificence, … Download free opening extract
3		What I Was Meg Rosoff Haunting, intense and with an incredible twist in the tale this is unlike anything you will have read before. It’s a story of friendship, love and secrets but also of tragedy and loss. It will almost certainly move … Download free opening extract

Featured Books for 14+ readers

1		Before I Die Jenny Downham Winner of the Branford Boase Award 2008. This is a haunting yet truly amazing read but don’t read it too young. Definitely not for someone less than 14 years old. If you knew you were going to die what would … Download free opening extract
2		Reckless Cecily Von Ziegesar Definitely Sex and the City for teens. Wonderfully engrossing and totally addictive with plenty of love/hate relationships to keep everything rocking the It Girl teen series is a mega hit already in the US and is bound to catch on here. Definitely the … Download free opening extract
3		Zoe And Chloe: Out To Lunch Sue Limb Loads of fun, farce and teen romance provide a delightful background for Chloe and Zoe as they make and break their plans for a summer holiday to remember. Falling in and out of love, making up their stories for their … Download free opening extract